Non-quadrangular display

ABSTRACT

A display includes a plurality of pixels in a non-quadrangular display area and a plurality of first driving circuits and a plurality of second driving circuits in a peripheral area of the display area. Each of the pixels is connected to a first signal line in a first direction and a second signal line in a second direction crossing the first direction. Each of the first driving circuits outputs a first signal to the first signal line of a corresponding one of the pixels. Each of the second driving circuits outputs a second signal to the second signal line of a corresponding one of the pixels. The number of second driving circuits between neighboring first driving circuits is different depending on a position in the peripheral area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/827,287 filed on Nov. 30, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,325,559, whichis a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/960,945 filed on Dec.7, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,837,022, which claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 119 of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0021599, filed onFeb. 12, 2015, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, thedisclosure of each application is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

One or more embodiments described herein relate to a non-quadrangulardisplay.

2. Description of the Related Art

A display panel includes signal lines connected to pixels. The pixelsare in a display region having a quadrangular shape, and a drivingcircuit for supplying signals to the signal lines are in a bezel areaaround the quadrangular display region. The display region may beincreased and the bezel area reduced to produce a large panel.

Recently, demand for displays having non-quadrangular shapes (e.g.,circle or oval) has increased. Such a display may be suitable for use inwearable devices, e.g., smartwatches, smart glass, and head mounteddisplays or vehicle clusters. However, the bezel areas for thesedisplays may be reduced to a vary narrow size in order to increase thesize of the display panel screen. A narrower bezel area leaves less roomfor the driving circuits.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a non-quadrangular displayincludes a plurality of pixels in a non-quadrangular display area, eachof the pixels connected to a first signal line in a first direction anda second signal line in a second direction crossing the first direction;a plurality of first driving circuits in a peripheral area of thedisplay area, each of the first driving circuits to output a firstsignal to the first signal line of a corresponding one of the pixels;and a plurality of second driving circuits in the peripheral area, eachof the second driving circuits to output a second signal to the secondsignal line of a corresponding one of the pixels, wherein a number ofthe second driving circuits between neighboring first driving circuitsis different depending on a position of the peripheral area.

The first driving circuits and the second driving circuits may beadjacent a circumference of the display area. Angles for arranging thefirst driving circuits and the second driving circuits may be changedaccording to positions of the first driving circuits and the seconddriving circuits. The angles are changed equally to normal directions ofthe circumference of the display area which is corresponding to thepositions of each of the first driving circuits and the second drivingcircuits.

An area of the first driving circuit for at least one pixel may bedifferent from an area of the second driving circuit for at least onepixel. A sum of widths of display areas of the first driving circuitsand the second driving circuits alternately disposed and adjacentlyprovided in a tangential direction may be less than half the width ofthe pixel.

The display area may include a curved area, and the pixels may bearranged in a matrix form in the curved area. When a step is betweenneighboring arrangements of the pixels, the first driving circuit or thesecond driving circuit in the peripheral area may correspond to the stepaccording to a type of the step.

The pixels may include a plurality of subpixels, the subpixels may emitdifferent colors of light, and the subpixels may be controlled by secondsignals transmitted through the second signal lines in synchronizationwith first signals transmitted through the first signal lines. Thesubpixels may include switching transistors, each of the switchingtransistors include a first electrode connected to a respective one ofthe second signal lines and the first signal lines as gate electrodes,and driving transistors, each of the driving transistors including agate electrode connected to a second electrode of a respective one ofthe switching transistors, a first electrode to receive a power voltageand a second electrode connected to an organic light emitting diode.

Each of the subpixels may receive an initialization voltage insynchronization with first signals transmitted through respective firstsignal lines corresponding to a previous pixel row. Each of thesubpixels may include a compensation transistor connected between thegate electrode and the second electrodes of the driving transistors, thegate electrode included as part of a corresponding first signal line.

The first signal lines and the second signal lines of the pixels may notcross each other in the peripheral area. Each the pixels may beconnected to a third signal line in the first direction, and the displaymay include a plurality of third driving circuits alternately disposedwith at least one of the second driving circuits, each of the thirddriving circuits to output a third signal to a third signal line of atleast one of the pixels in a region facing the first driving circuits inthe peripheral area.

In accordance with one or more other embodiments, a non-quadrangulardisplay includes a display area including a curved portion, the displayarea including a plurality of pixels disposed so that steps in a rowdirection and a column direction correspond to the curved portion; and anon-display area including first driving circuits to supply a firstsignal to respective pixels in the row direction and second drivingcircuits to supply a second signal to respective pixels in the columndirection, different numbers of the first and second driving circuitsdisposed on a circumference of the display area.

At least one of the first driving circuits may be provided insubstantially a normal direction in which the pixels have steps in therow direction. At least one of the second driving circuits may beprovided in substantially a normal direction in which the pixels havesteps in the column direction. The non-display area may have apredetermined width along a circumference of the display area. Each ofthe first driving circuit and the second driving circuit may havesubstantially rectangular shape and substantially a same length of along side. A width of the non-display area may be greater than thelength of the long side and less than a sum of both long side lengths ofthe substantially rectangular shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features will become apparent to those of skill in the art by describingin detail exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawingsin which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a non-quadrangular display;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a display panel;

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a pixel;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a subpixel;

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment including a pixel at a first positionon an edge of a display panel and a driving circuit;

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment including a pixel at a second positionon an edge of a display panel and a driving circuit;

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a pixel at a third position on anedge of a display panel and a driving circuit;

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a display panel;

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a pixel at a first position on anedge of the display panel in FIG. 8 and a driving circuit;

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a pixel at a second position on anedge of the display panel in FIG. 8 and a driving circuit;

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a pixel at a third position on anedge of the display panel in FIG. 8 and a driving circuit;

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a display panel;

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a pixel at a first position on anedge in the first region of the display panel in FIG. 12 and a drivingcircuit;

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a pixel at a second position on anedge in the first region of the display panel in FIG. 12 and a drivingcircuit;

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a pixel at a third position on anedge in the first region of the display panel in FIG. 12 and a drivingcircuit;

FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of a display panel;

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of a pixel in a first region on thedisplay panel in FIG. 16 and a driving circuit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be embodied indifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey exemplary implementations to those skilled in the art. Theembodiments may be combined to form additional embodiments. Likereference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

It is to be understood that when one component is referred to as being“connected” or “coupled” to another component, it may be connected orcoupled directly to another component or be connected or coupled toanother component with the other component intervening therebetween. Onthe other hand, it is to be understood that when one component isreferred to as being “directly connected or coupled” to anothercomponent, it may be connected to or coupled to another componentwithout the other component intervening therebetween.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a non-quadrangular display whichincludes a driver IC 10, a display panel 20, and a connector 15 forconnecting the driver IC 10 and the display panel 20. The display panel20 may has a predetermined shape that is not quadrangular, e.g., acircle, an oval, a polygon with a partial circle, or a polygon except aquadrangle. In one embodiment, the arbitrary format may include a figurepartly configured with a curve. The display panel 20 may be a flexibledisplay panel that includes at least one curved portion.

The driver IC 10 outputs a driving signal for driving the drivingcircuit of the display panel 20. The driving signal may be transmittedto the display panel 20 through the connector 15. Based on the drivingsignal transmitted to the driver IC 10, signals corresponding to thepixels may be appropriately transmitted to the signal lines formed onthe display panel 20.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a display panel of the display inFIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the form or shape of the display area30 may be determined based on the form or shape of the display panel 20,e.g., when the display panel 20 is circular, the display area 30 may becircular and/or when part of the display panel 20 is curved, the displayarea 30 corresponding to the part may be a curve. A non-display area 40including a driving circuit is in a region excluding the display area 30on the display panel 20.

A plurality of pixels PX are in the display area 30. The pixels PX maybe disposed in a matrix format in the display area 30. The pixels PX maybe disposed to correspond to the curve in the display area 30. Forexample, when the display area 30 is circular, a step may be generatedbetween the arrangements of pixels on an edge of the display area 30.

For example, quadrangular pixels PX are disposed on the curved edge ofthe display area 30 to form a step arrangement among the rows of pixels.In one embodiment, a step is formed between the pixel arrangement of thefirst row and the pixel arrangement of the second row by the differenceof a predetermined number (e.g., eight) pixels PX on the edge CA1 of thedisplay area 30 corresponding to the first row and the second row.

The step between the pixel arrangements for neighboring rows or columnsmay be different according to the position of the corresponding edge.For example, the step based on the difference of eight pixels may begenerated between the pixel arrangement of the first row and the pixelarrangement of the second row, and a step based on the difference of sixpixels may be formed between the pixel arrangement of the second row andthe pixel arrangement of the third row.

The driving circuit is formed in the non-display area 40 according tothe shape of the display area 30. For example, when the pixels PX parearranged in a circular form, the driving circuit for supplying signalsto the pixels PX may be in a circumferential area adjacent the circle onwhich the pixels PX are disposed. When the display panel 20 is circular,the shape of the display area 30 including the pixels PX and thenon-display area 40 including the driving circuit may be circular.Further, the non-display area 40 may be formed adjacent thecircumference of the display area 30 on the same substrate as thedisplay area 30.

The shape of the non-display area 40 may be determined by the shape ofthe display area 30. For example, when the pixels PX are disposed in acircular manner, the non-display area 40 may be formed as a ring with apredetermined width on the circumference of the display area 30.

In FIG. 2, the shapes and sizes of the pixels PX are the same. Inanother embodiment, the sizes of the pixels PX in two or more regions ofthe display area 30 may be different. For example, a pixel in a centerregion of the display area 30 may be larger than a pixel on the edge ofthe display area 30.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a pixel PX, and FIG. 4 shows an equivalentcircuit diagram of an embodiment of a subpixel of the pixel PX. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, a pixel PX may include a plurality of subpixelsemitting light of different primary colors. For example, pixel PX mayinclude three subpixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 that emit red, green, andblue light, respectively.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the subpixel PX11 includes a plurality oftransistors connected to a plurality of signal lines, a storagecapacitor (Cst), and an organic light emitting diode (OLED). Thetransistors include a driving thin film transistor T1, a switching thinfilm transistor T2, a compensation transistor T3, an initializationtransistor T4, an operation control transistor T5, an emission controltransistor T6, and a bypass transistor T7.

The signal lines include a scan line (S[n]) for transmitting a scansignal, a previous scan line (S[n−1]) for transmitting a previous scansignal to the initialization transistor T4, an emission control line(EM[n]) for transmitting an emission control signal to the operationcontrol transistor T5 and the emission control transistor T6, a dataline (D[m]) crossing the scan line and transmitting a data signal, apower voltage line for transmitting a power voltage, and aninitialization voltage line for transmitting an initialization voltagefor initializing the driving transistor T1.

The driving transistor T1 includes a first terminal connected to a firstnode N1, a gate connected to a second node N2, and a second terminalconnected to a third node N3. The driving transistor T1 is turned on bya voltage applied to the gate to control a driving current supplied tothe organic light emitting element (OLED).

The second transistor T2 includes a first terminal connected to the dataline (D[m]) for supplying the corresponding data signal, a gateconnected to the scan line (S[n]) for supplying the correspondingpresent scan signal, and a second terminal connected to the first nodeN1. The second transistor T2 is turned on by the scan signal to transmitthe data signal to the first node N1.

The first capacitor Cst includes a first terminal connected to a powervoltage line for supplying a first power voltage (ELVDD) and a secondterminal connected to the second node N2.

The third transistor T3 includes a first terminal connected to thesecond node N2, a second terminal connected to the third node N3, and agate connected to the present scan line (S[n]). The third transistor T3is turned on by the present scan signal to connect the second node N2and the third node N3.

The fourth transistor T4 includes a first terminal connected to thesecond node N2, a second terminal connected to an initialization linefor supplying an initialization voltage (VINT), and a gate connected tothe scan line (S[n−1]) provided in the previous pixel row. The fourthtransistor T4 is turned on by the scan signal of the scan line (S[n−1])provided in the previous pixel row to initialize the second node N2 withthe initialization voltage (VINT).

The fifth transistor T5 includes a first terminal connected to a firstpower voltage (ELVDD), a second terminal connected to the first node N1,and a gate connected to an emission line for supplying a correspondingemission signal. The fifth transistor T5 is turned on by the emissionsignal.

The sixth transistor T6 includes a first terminal connected to the thirdnode N3, a second terminal connected to an anode of the organic lightemitting element (OLED), and a gate connected to the emission line forsupplying the emission signal. The sixth transistor T6 is turned on bythe emission signal to transmit a current flowing through the firsttransistor T1 to the organic light emitting element (OLED).

The seventh transistor T7 includes a first terminal connected to theanode of the organic light emitting element (OLED), a second terminalconnected to the initialization line, and a gate connected to the scanline (S[n−1]) provided in the previous pixel row. The seventh transistorT7 is turned on by the scan signal provided in the previous pixel row totransmit the initialization voltage (VINT) to the anode of the organiclight emitting element (OLED).

The organic light emitting element (OLED) includes an anode connected tothe second terminal of the sixth transistor T6 and a cathode connectedto a second power voltage (ELVSS). The organic light emitting element(OLED) may emit one light of the primary colors. The primary colors mayinclude, for example, red, green, and blue, and desired colors may bedisplayed based on a spatial sum or a temporal sum of the three primarycolors.

The initialization voltage (Vint) may be supplied to the gate electrodesof the respective driving transistors T1 of the subpixels PX11, PX12,and PX13 in synchronization with a plurality of scan signals suppliedthrough the scan line (S[n−1]) provided in the previous pixel row. Aplurality of data signals are transmitted through data lines (D[m])corresponding to respective ones of the subpixels PX11, PX12, and PX13in synchronization with scan signals supplied through the scan lines inthe present subpixel row. The first power voltage (ELVDD) suppliedthrough a plurality of first power voltage lines is a voltage fordriving the subpixels PX11, PX12, and PX13. Emission of the organiclight emitting diode (OLED) is controlled by emission control signalssupplied through emission control lines (EM[n]).

The driving circuit includes a first driving circuit for supplying ascan signal to the scan line (S[n]), a second driving circuit forsupplying an emission control signal to the emission control line(EM[n]), and a third driving circuit for supplying a data signal to thedata line (D[m]). The driving circuit further includes a fourth drivingcircuit for supplying a test voltage to the data line (D[m]) to testwhether the display panel 20 has a fault during a process formanufacturing the display panel 20.

The driving circuits are disposed on the display panel 20 and supplyappropriate signals to the pixels PX. The methods used to supply signalsto the pixels PX may depend, for example, on the type of drivingcircuits. For example, the first driving circuit and the second drivingcircuit supply signals in a first direction, and the third drivingcircuit and the fourth driving circuit supply signals in a seconddirection crossing the first direction. When the pixels PX are arrangedin a matrix format, the first driving circuit and the second drivingcircuit supply the signals for respective rows, and the third drivingcircuit and the fourth driving circuit supply the signals for respectivecolumns.

The driving circuits are arranged in the non-display area 40 so that thenon-display area 40 occupies a narrow region on the display panel 20.However, when the pixels PX are arbitrarily disposed on the displaypanel 20, a step may occur between the pixel arrangements. In this case,the driving circuits are disposed in a manner different from the drivingcircuits in a quadrangular display panel.

FIG. 5 illustrates a first embodiment of a pixel PX at a first positionA1 on an edge of a display panel 20 and a driving circuit. As shown, thedriving circuit is in the non-display area 40.

In this embodiment, the first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth drivingcircuit DC4 are illustrated, and different types of driving circuits (afirst driving circuit, a second driving circuit, a third drivingcircuit, and a fourth driving circuit) may be disposed at respectivepositions in the non-display area 40. In one embodiment, the non-displayarea 40 may include a region in which the first driving circuit DC1 andthe fourth driving circuit DC4 are disposed, a region in which thesecond driving circuit DC2 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 aredisposed, a region in which the first driving circuit DC1 and the thirddriving circuit are disposed, and a region in which the second drivingcircuit DC2 and the third driving circuit are disposed.

Different types and numbers of driving circuits may be disposed alongthe circumference of the display area 30 in the non-display area 40. Inthis instance, different types of driving circuits may be disposed forrespective pixel rows or pixel columns. For example, the first drivingcircuit DC1 may correspond to the pixel row and the fourth drivingcircuit DC4 may correspond to the pixel column. As shown, on the firstposition A1 four first driving circuits DC1 correspond to four pixelrows and twelve fourth driving circuits DC4 correspond to twelve pixelcolumns at the first position A1.

The areas occupied by the respective different types of driving circuitsmay be different. For example, the area of one first driving circuit DC1may be different from the area of one fourth driving circuit DC4. Whenthe first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 areformed to be rectangular and have a same long-side length, theirshort-side lengths may be different. The width of the non-display area40 may be formed to be less than a sum of the long-side lengths of twodriving circuits and greater than a long-side length of one drivingcircuit. In one embodiment, the width of the non-display area 40 may besubstantially the same as the long-side length of one driving circuit,and the width of the non-display area 40 may be designed to be narrow.

The driving circuits may be inclined at a corresponding angle withrespect to a flat surface based on the shape of the display area 30. Forexample, the driving circuits may be inclined with substantially thesame angle as a normal angle on a border between the display area 30 andthe non-display area 40 and may be in the non-display area 40.

When the display area 30 is curved, a normal direction of the borderbetween the display area 30 and the non-display area 40 changes alongthe circumference of the display area 30. Thus, a disposal angle of thedriving circuits that are disposed along the circumference of thedisplay area 30 with respect to a reference line (Lref) is changed inthe normal direction. The leftmost fourth driving circuit DC4 isparallel to the reference line (Lref) in FIG. 5. However, the drivingcircuits DC1 and DC4 disposed to the right of the fourth driving circuitDC4 along the circumference of the display area 30 are inclined so thattheir angles from the reference line (Lref) gradually increase.

In the case of a same type of driving circuit DC4, the dispositionangles α1 and α2 with respect to the reference line (Lref) arechangeable depending on the position of the pixel row or the pixelcolumn. For example, the disposition angles α1 and α2 of the fourthdriving circuits DC4 corresponding to the different pixel columns aredifferent from each other.

The driving circuits are arranged in series in the non-display area 40.The types of driving circuits are changed and are then arranged in asingle column along the circumference of the display area 30. Forexample, in FIG. 5, the driving circuits starting from the fourthdriving circuit DC4 provided leftmost to the first driving circuit DC1provided rightmost are arranged in a single column along thecircumference of the display area 30 while the types thereof DC1 and DC4are changed.

When a step occurs between the pixel arrangements, the type of thedriving circuit is changed and disposed depending on the type of thecorresponding step. When the step is generated between the pixelarrangements for the respective rows, the first driving circuit DC1 isdisposed corresponding to the corresponding step. When the step isgenerated for the respective columns, the fourth driving circuit DC4 isdisposed corresponding to the corresponding step. The first drivingcircuit DC1 supplies signals to different pixel rows, and the fourthdriving circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns.

One driving circuit supplies the signal to the pixels PX in one row orone column. One pixel PX includes a plurality of subpixels PX11, PX12,and PX13. Thus, one driving circuit supplies signals to the subpixelsPX11, PX12, and PX13 in one pixel row or one pixel column. Therefore, aplurality of signal wires for supplying signals to one pixel row or onepixel column by one driving circuit are formed. For example, one firstdriving circuit DC1 supplies a scan signal to one pixel row, and aplurality of pixels PX including an R subpixel, a G subpixel, and a Bsubpixel are formed in one pixel row. A scan wire SL1 for supplying ascan signal to a plurality of R subpixels, a scan wire SL2 for supplyinga scan signal to a plurality of G subpixels, and a scan wire SL3 forsupplying a scan signal to a plurality of B subpixels are formedcorresponding to one first driving circuit DC1. This is applicable toother cases, e.g., where the signal wire is connected to different typesof driving circuits DC2, DC3, and DC4 in a like manner.

The signal wires for the driving circuits to supply signals to thepixels PX are formed to not cross each other in the non-display area 40.The signal wires connected to the different types of driving circuitsare formed to not cross each other in the non-display area 40. Forexample, the signal wires SL1 to SL3 for connecting the neighboringfirst driving circuit DC1 and the pixel row are formed to cross thesignal wires TL1 to TL3 for connecting the fourth driving circuit DC4and the pixel column. Therefore, capacitive coupling caused by parasiticcapacitor formed by the crossing of the signal wires in the non-displayarea 40 is reduced.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a pixel PX at a second position A2 on anedge of the display panel 20 and a driving circuit. In FIG. 6, thedriving circuits DC1 and DC4 are disposed in the non-display area 40 ina manner similar to FIG. 5. Different types of driving circuits DC1 andDC4 may be disposed to correspond to respective pixel rows or pixelcolumns. For example, the first driving circuit DC1 may correspond tothe pixel row, and the fourth driving circuit DC4 may correspond to tothe pixel column. As illustrated, at the second position A2, five firstdriving circuits DC1 are disposed to correspond to the five pixel rowsand five fourth driving circuits DC4 are disposed to correspond to thefive pixel columns.

The driving circuits DC1 and DC4 may be inclined at an angle withrespect to the plane depending on the shape of the display area 30. Whenthe angle inclined in a clockwise direction with respect to thereference line (Lref) is measured in FIG. 6, the angle α4 formed whenthe fourth driving circuit DC4 provided rightmost is inclined from thereference line (Lref) is greater than the angle α3 formed when the firstdriving circuit DC1 provided leftmost is inclined from the referenceline (Lref).

The driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in series in thenon-display area 40. The types of the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 arechanged and arranged in a column along the circumference of the displayarea 30. For example, in FIG. 6, the driving circuits starting from thefourth driving circuit DC4 provided leftmost to the first drivingcircuit DC1 provided rightmost are arranged in a single column along thecircumference of the display area 30 while the types thereof arechanged.

When a step occurs between the pixel arrangements, the type of thedriving circuit is changed and disposed depending on the type of thecorresponding step. When the step is generated between the pixelarrangements for respective rows, the first driving circuit DC1corresponds to the corresponding step. When the step is generated forrespective columns, the fourth driving circuit DC4 corresponds to thecorresponding step. The first driving circuit DC1 supplies signals todifferent pixel rows, and the fourth driving circuit DC4 suppliessignals to different pixel columns. Regarding FIG. 6, the step isgenerated in the row direction and the column direction by one pixel PX,so the first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 arealternately disposed.

The sum of the tangential-directional widths of the display areas 30 ofthe first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4, thatare alternately disposed and provided to neighbor each other, may beless than half the width of the pixel PX. Further, the sum of the widthsof the two driving circuits neighboring each other may be less than halfthe width of the pixel PX.

One driving circuit supplies a signal to the pixels PX in a row or acolumn. One pixel PX includes a plurality of subpixels PX11, PX12, andPX13. One driving circuit supplies the signal to a plurality ofsubpixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 in one pixel row or one pixel column.Therefore, a plurality of signal wires for one driving circuit areformed to supply signals to one pixel row or one pixel column. Thesignal wires for the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 to supply signals tothe pixels PX are formed to not cross each other in the non-display area40. The signal wires connected to different types of driving circuitsDC1 and DC4 are formed to not cross each other in non-display area 40.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a pixel PX at a third position A3 onan edge of a display panel 20 and a driving circuit. In FIG. 7, thedriving circuit is in the non-display area 40 in a manner similar toFIG. 5. Different types of driving circuits DC1 and DC4 may correspondto respective pixel rows or pixel columns. For example, the firstdriving circuit DC1 may correspond to the pixel row, and the fourthdriving circuit DC4 may correspond to the pixel column. As shown, on thethird position A3, twelve first driving circuits DC1 correspond to thetwelve pixel rows and three fourth driving circuits DC4 correspond tothe three pixel columns.

The driving circuits DC1 and DC4 may be inclined at an angle withrespect to the plane depending on the shape of the display area 30. Whenthe angle inclined in the clockwise direction is measured in FIG. 7, theangle α6, formed when the first driving circuit DC1 provided rightmostis inclined from the reference line (Lref) is greater than the angle α5formed when the first driving circuit DC1 provided to the leftmost, isinclined from the reference line (Lref).

The driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in series in thenon-display area 40. The types of the driving circuits DC1 and DC4, arechanged and arranged in a column along the circumference of the displayarea 30. For example, in FIG. 7, the driving circuits starting from thefirst driving circuit DC4 provided leftmost to the first driving circuitDC1 provided rightmost are arranged in a single column along thecircumference of the display area 30 while the types thereof arechanged.

When a step occurs between the pixel arrangements, the type of drivingcircuit is changed and disposed depending on the type of thecorresponding step. When the step is generated between the pixelarrangements for respective rows, the first driving circuit DC1corresponds to the corresponding step. When the step is generated forthe respective columns, the fourth driving circuit DC4 corresponds tothe corresponding step. The first driving circuit DC1 supplies signalsto different pixel rows, and the fourth driving circuit DC4 suppliessignals to different pixel columns.

One driving circuit supplies a signal to the pixels PX in a row or acolumn. One pixel PX includes a plurality of subpixels PX11, PX12, andPX13. Thus, one driving circuit supplies the signal to a plurality ofsubpixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 in one pixel row or one pixel column.Therefore, a plurality of signal wires for one driving circuit areformed to supply signals to one pixel row or one pixel column. Thesignal wires for the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 to supply signals tothe pixels PX are formed to not cross each other in the non-display area40. The signal wires connected to different types of driving circuitsDC1 and DC4 are formed to not cross each other in non-display area 40.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, a different number of drivingcircuits DC1 and DC4 may be disposed depending on their disposedposition on the display panel 20. For example, a plurality of fourthdriving circuits DC4 are disposed by the step between the pixelarrangements generated for respective columns on the first position A1.A plurality of first driving circuits DC1 are disposed by the stepbetween the pixel arrangements generated for respective rows on thethird position A3. Thus, the types and numbers of the driving circuitson the circumference of the display area 30 change.

FIG. 8 illustrates a second embodiment of a display panel 20. In FIG. 8,the form of the display area 30 may be determined to correspond to theform of the display panel 20. For example, when the display panel 20 isoval, the display area 30 may be oval. When part of the display panel 20is curved, the display area 30 corresponding to the part is curved. Thenon-display area 40 including a driving circuit is in a region excludingthe display area 30 on the display panel 20.

A plurality of pixels PX are in the display area 30. The pixels PX maybe disposed in a matrix format in the display area 30. The pixels PX areappropriately disposed corresponding to the curve in the display area30. For example, when the display area 30 is oval, a step is generatedbetween arrangements of pixels at an edge of the display area 30.

For example, a quadrangular pixel PX is on a curved edge of the displayarea 30 so the step is generated between the arrangements of pixels. Forexample, a step is formed between the pixel arrangement of the first rowand the pixel arrangement of the second row by the difference of twelvepixels PX on the edge CA2 of the display area 30 corresponding to thefirst row and the second row.

The step between pixel arrangements of neighboring rows or columns maybe different according to the position of the corresponding edge. Forexample, the step that corresponds to a difference of twelve pixels PXis generated between the pixel arrangement of the first row and thepixel arrangement of the second row. The step that corresponds to adifference of six pixels PX may be generated between the pixelarrangement of the second row and the pixel arrangement of the thirdrow.

The driving circuit is appropriately formed in the non-display area 40according to the shape of the display area 30. For example, when thepixels PX are in an oval form, the driving circuit for supplying signalsto the pixels PX is provided along the circumference of the oval onwhich the pixels PX are disposed. When the display panel 20 is oval, ashape formed by the display area 30 including the pixels PX and thenon-display area 40 including the driving circuit may be oval.

In FIG. 8, the shapes and sizes of the pixels PX are the same. In oneembodiment, the sizes of the pixels PX in two or more regions of thedisplay area 30 may be different. For example, a pixel in a centerregion of the display area 30 may be larger than a pixel at the edge ofthe display area 30.

The driving circuits may be appropriately disposed in the non-displayarea 40 so that the non-display area 40 may occupy a narrow region onthe display panel 20. However, when the pixels PX are arbitrarilydisposed on the display panel 20, the step occurs between the pixelarrangements so the driving circuits may be disposed in a mannerdifferent from a display panel having a quadrangular pixel form.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment including a pixel PX at a first position onan edge of the display panel 20 in FIG. 8 and a driving circuit. In FIG.9, the driving circuits in the non-display area 40 include the firstdriving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4. Different typesof driving circuits may be disposed at respective positions in thenon-display area 40. For example, the non-display area 40 may include aregion including the first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth drivingcircuit DC4, a region including the second driving circuit and thefourth driving circuit DC4, a region including the first driving circuitDC1 and the third driving circuit, and a region including the seconddriving circuit and the third driving circuit. Different types andnumbers of driving circuits may be disposed along the circumference ofthe display area 30 in the non-display area 40.

In this instance, different types of driving circuits may be disposedfor respective pixel rows or pixel columns. For example, the firstdriving circuit DC1 may correspond to the pixel row and the fourthdriving circuit DC4 may correspond to the pixel column. On the firstposition A1, two first driving circuits DC1 correspond to two pixel rowsand ten fourth driving circuits DC4 correspond to ten pixel columns.

The areas occupied by the respective different types of driving circuitsmay be different. For example, the area of one first driving circuit DC1may be different from the area of one fourth driving circuit DC4.

The driving circuits DC1 and DC4 may be inclined at a correspondingangle with respect to a flat surface according to a shape of the displayarea 30. For example, the driving circuits may be inclined atsubstantially the same angle as a normal angle on a border between thedisplay area 30 and the non-display area 40 and may be disposed in thenon-display area 40. When the display area 30 is curved, a normaldirection of the border between the display area 30 and the non-displayarea 40 may change along the circumference of the display area 30. Thus,a disposal angle of the driving circuits along the circumference of thedisplay area 30 with respect to a reference line (Lref) is changed bythe normal direction. The fourth driving circuit DC4 provided leftmostis parallel to the reference line (Lref) in FIG. 9. However, the drivingcircuits DC1 and DC4 disposed to the right from the fourth drivingcircuit DC4 along the circumference, of the display area 30 areinclined, so that their angles β1 and β2 from the reference line (Lref)may gradually increase.

In the case of a same type of the driving circuit, the dispositionangles with respect to the reference line (Lref) are changeabledepending on the position of the pixel row or the pixel column. Forexample, the disposition angles of the fourth driving circuits DC4corresponding to the different pixel rows are different from each other.

The driving circuits DC1 and are arranged in series in the non-displayarea 40. The types of the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are changed andarranged in a single column along the circumference of the display area30. For example, in FIG. 9, the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 from thefourth driving circuit DC4 provided leftmost to the first drivingcircuit DC1 provided rightmost are arranged in a single column along thecircumference of the display area 30 while the types thereof arechanged.

When a step occurs between the pixel arrangements, the type of thedriving circuit is changed and disposed depending on the type of thecorresponding step. When the step is generated between the pixelarrangements for the respective rows, the first driving circuit DC1corresponds to the corresponding step. When the step is generated forthe respective columns, the fourth driving circuit DC4 corresponds tothe corresponding step. The first driving circuit DC1 supplies signalsto different pixel rows, and the fourth driving circuit DC4 suppliessignals to different pixel columns.

One driving circuit supplies the signal to the pixels PX in one row orone column. One pixel PX includes a plurality of subpixels PX11, PX12,and PX13. Thus, one driving circuit supplies signals to the subpixelsPX11, PX12, and PX13 in one pixel row or one pixel column. Therefore, aplurality of signal wires are formed for supplying signals to one pixelrow or one pixel column by one driving circuit are formed. For example,one first driving circuit DC1 supplies a scan signal to one pixel row,and a plurality of pixels PX including an R subpixel, a G subpixel, anda B subpixel are formed in one pixel row. Thus, a scan wire forsupplying a scan signal to a plurality of R subpixels, a scan wire forsupplying a scan signal to a plurality of G subpixels, and a scan wirefor supplying a scan signal to a plurality of B subpixels are formedcorresponding to one first driving circuit DC1. This may be applicableto other cases in which a signal wire is connected to different types ofdriving circuits.

The signal wires for supplying signals of the driving circuits DC1 andDC4 to the pixels PX are formed to not cross each other in thenon-display area 40. The signal wires connected to the different typesof driving circuits are formed to not cross each other in thenon-display area 40. For example, the signal wires for connecting theneighboring first driving circuit DC1 and the pixel row are formed tonot cross the signal wires for connecting the fourth driving circuit DC4and the pixel column. Therefore, capacitive coupling caused by parasiticcapacitor formed by crossing of signal wires in the non-display area 40is reduced.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a pixel PX at a second position onan edge of a display panel 20 in FIG. 8 and a driving circuit. In FIG.10, the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are in the non-display area 40 in amanner similar to FIG. 9. Different types of driving circuits DC1 andDC4 are disposed to correspond to respective pixel rows or pixelcolumns. For example, the first driving circuit DC1 may correspond tothe pixel row and the fourth driving circuit DC4 may correspond to thepixel column. On the second position A2, five first driving circuits DC1correspond to the five pixel rows and five fourth driving circuits DC4correspond to the five pixel columns.

The driving circuits DC1 and DC4 may be inclined at an angle withrespect to the plane depending on the shape of the display area 30. Whenthe angle inclined in a clockwise direction is measured in FIG. 10, theangle β4 formed when the first driving circuit DC1 provided to the rightis inclined from the reference line (Lref) is greater than the angle β3formed when the fourth driving circuit DC4 provided leftmost is inclinedfrom the reference line (Lref).

The driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in series in thenon-display area 40. The types of the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 arechanged and arranged in a column along the circumference of the displayarea 30. For example, in FIG. 10, the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 fromthe fourth driving circuit DC4 provided leftmost to the first drivingcircuit DC1 provided rightmost are arranged in a single column along thecircumference of the display area 30 while the types thereof arechanged.

When a step occurs between the pixel arrangements, the type of thedriving circuit is changed and disposed depending on the type of thecorresponding step. When the step is generated between the pixelarrangements for respective rows, the first driving circuit DC1corresponds to the corresponding step. When the step is generated forrespective columns, the fourth driving circuit DC4 corresponds to thecorresponding step. The first driving circuit DC1 supplies signals todifferent pixel rows, and the fourth driving circuit DC4 suppliessignals to different pixel columns. Regarding FIG. 10, the step isgenerated in the row direction and the column direction by one pixel PXso the first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 arealternately disposed.

One driving circuit supplies a signal to the pixels PX in a row or acolumn. One pixel PX includes a plurality of subpixels PX11, PX12, andPX13. Thus, one driving circuit supplies the signal to the plurality ofsubpixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 in one pixel row or one pixel column.Therefore, a plurality of signal wires for one driving circuit areformed to supply signals to one pixel row or one pixel column. Thesignal wires for the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 to supply signals tothe pixels PX are formed to not cross each other in the non-display area40. The signal wires connected to different types of driving circuitsare formed to not cross each other in the non-display area 40.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a pixel PX at a third position onan edge of the display panel 20 in FIG. 8 and a driving circuit. In FIG.11, the driving circuit is in the non-display area 40 in a mannersimilar to FIG. 9. Different types of driving circuits correspond torespective pixel rows or pixel columns. For example, the first drivingcircuit DC1 corresponds to the pixel row and the fourth driving circuitDC4 corresponds to the pixel column. On the third position, twelve firstdriving circuits DC1 correspond to the twelve pixel rows and threefourth driving circuits DC4 correspond to the three pixel columns.

The driving circuits DC1 and DC4 may be inclined at an angle withrespect to the plane depending on the shape of the display area 30. Whenthe angle inclined in the clockwise direction is measured in FIG. 11,the angle β6 formed when the first driving circuit DC1 providedrightmost is inclined from the reference line (Lref) is greater than theangle β5 formed when the first driving circuit DC1 provided leftmost isinclined from the reference line (Lref).

The driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in series in thenon-display area 40. The types of the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 arechanged and arranged in a column along the circumference of the displayarea 30. For example, in FIG. 11, the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 fromthe first driving circuit DC4 provided leftmost to the first drivingcircuit DC1 provided rightmost are arranged in a single column along thecircumference of the display area 30 while the types thereof arechanged.

When a step occurs between the pixel arrangements, the type of thedriving circuit is changed and disposed depending on the type of thecorresponding step. When the step is generated between pixelarrangements for respective rows, the first driving circuit DC1corresponds to the corresponding step. When the step is generated forrespective columns, the fourth driving circuit DC4 corresponds to thecorresponding step. The first driving circuit DC1 supplies signals todifferent pixel rows, and the fourth driving circuit DC4 suppliessignals to different pixel columns.

One driving circuit supplies a signal to the pixels PX in a row or acolumn. One pixel PX includes a plurality of subpixels PX11, PX12, andPX13. Thus, one driving circuit supplies the signal to the subpixelsPX11, PX12, and PX13 in one pixel row or one pixel column. Therefore, aplurality of signal wires for one driving circuit are formed to supplysignals to one pixel row or one pixel column. The signal wires for thedriving circuits DC1 and DC4 to supply signals to the pixels PX areformed to not cross each other in the non-display area 40. The signalwires connected to different types of driving circuits are formed to notcross each other in the non-display area 40.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11, a different number of driving circuitsDC1 and DC4 may be disposed depending on their position on the displaypanel 20. For example, a plurality of fourth driving circuits DC4 aredisposed by the step between the pixel arrangements generated forrespective columns on the first position. A plurality of first drivingcircuits DC1 are disposed by the step between the pixel arrangementsgenerated for respective rows on the third position. Thus, the types andnumbers of the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 disposed on thecircumference of the display area 30 are changed.

Compared to the first exemplary embodiment, the display area 30 isformed to be oval and thus the border of the display area 30 and thenon-display area 40 changes in curvature. In one embodiment, the drivingcircuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in series on the circumference of thedisplay area 30 and are disposed in a normal direction of the border ofthe display area 30 and the non-display area 40. As a result, when thecurvature is changed, the width of the non-display area 40 is reduced.

FIG. 12 illustrates a third embodiment of a display panel 20 having acurved portion, e.g., the display panel 20 is formed by combining asegmental first region CA3 and a quadrangular second region CA4.

The shape of the display area 30 may be determined corresponding to theshape of the display panel 20. For example, when part of the displaypanel 20 is curved, the display area 30 corresponding to the part iscurved. Therefore, the display area 30 of the first region CA3 is formedto be segmental, and the display area 30 of the second region CA4 isformed to be quadrangular. A non-display area 40 including a drivingcircuit is formed in a region excluding the display area 30 on thedisplay panel 20.

A plurality of pixels PX are in the display area 30. The pixels PX arein a matrix format in the display area 30. The pixels PX areappropriately disposed corresponding to the curve in the display area30. For example, when the display area 30 is segmental, a step isgenerated between the arrangements of pixels on an edge of the segmentaldisplay area 30.

For example, a quadrangular pixel PX is disposed on the edge of thedisplay area 30 which is curved so a step is generated between thearrangements of pixels. For example, a step is generated between thepixel arrangement of the first row and the pixel arrangement of thesecond row by the difference of six pixels PX on the edge of the displayarea 30 corresponding to the first row and the second row.

The step between pixel arrangements for neighboring respective rows orcolumns may be different according to the position of the correspondingedge. For example, the step corresponding to the difference of sixpixels is generated between the pixel arrangement of the first row andthe pixel arrangement of the second row. The step corresponding to thedifference of four pixels may be generated between the pixel arrangementof the second row and the pixel arrangement of the third row.

The driving circuit is appropriately formed in the non-display area 40according to the shape of the display area 30. For example, when thepixels PX are disposed in a segmental form, the driving circuit forsupplying signals to the pixels PX is provided along the circumferenceof the segmental arc on which the pixels PX are disposed. When thedisplay panel 20 is segmental, the shape formed by the display area 30including the pixels PX and the non-display area 40 including thedriving circuit may be segmental.

In FIG. 12, the shapes and sizes of the pixels PX are the same. Inanother embodiment, the sizes of the pixels PX in two or more regions ofthe display area 30 may be different. For example, the pixel PX in asecond region CA4 of the display area 30 may be larger than the pixel PXon an edge of the first region CA3.

The driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be appropriately disposed inthe non-display area 40 so that the non-display area 40 occupies anarrow region on the display panel 20. In the case where the displaypanel 20 on which the pixels PX are arbitrarily disposed, the stepoccurs between the pixel arrangements. As a result, the driving circuitsmay be disposed in a manner different from a display panel 20 having aquadrangular arrangement of pixels PX.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a pixel PX at a first position onan edge in a first region CA3 of the display panel 20 in FIG. 12 and adriving circuit. In FIG. 13, the driving circuit is in the non-displayarea 40. Also, different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 aredisposed at respective positions in the non-display area 40. Forexample, the non-display area 40 may include a region in which the firstdriving circuit DC1, the second driving circuit DC2, and the fourthdriving circuit DC4 are disposed, a region in which the first drivingcircuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are disposed, and aregion in which the second driving circuit DC2 and the fourth drivingcircuit DC4 are disposed. Different types and numbers of drivingcircuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be disposed along the circumference ofthe display area 30 in the non-display area 40.

In this instance, different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4may be disposed for respective pixel rows or pixel columns. For example,the first driving circuit DC1 and the second driving circuit DC2 maycorrespond to the pixel row and the fourth driving circuit DC4 maycorrespond to the pixel column. On the first position, one first drivingcircuit DC1 and one second driving circuit DC2 correspond to one pixelrow, and fourteen fourth driving circuits DC4 correspond to fourteenpixel columns.

Respective areas occupied by the different types of driving circuitsDC1, DC2, and DC4 may be different. For example, the area of one firstdriving circuit DC1, the area of one second driving circuit DC2, and thearea of one fourth driving circuit DC4 may be different.

Each of the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be inclined at acorresponding angle with respect to a flat surface according to a shapeof the display area 30. For example, in the first region CA3, thedriving circuits may be inclined at substantially the same angle with anormal angle on a border between the display area 30 and the non-displayarea 40 and may be disposed in the non-display area 40. When the displayarea 30 is curved, a normal direction of the border between the displayarea 30 and the non-display area 40 is changed along the circumferenceof the display area 30. As a result, a disposal angle of the drivingcircuits along the circumference of the display area 30 with respect toa reference line (Lref) is changed by the normal direction. The fourthdriving circuit DC4 at a center is parallel to the reference line (Lref)in FIG. 13.

In one embodiment, the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 disposed tothe right or the left from the fourth driving circuit DC4 along thecircumference of the display area 30 are inclined so that their anglesfrom the reference line (Lref) may be gradually increased or decreased.For example, a disposal angle γ1 of the fourth driving circuit DC4provided to the right from the reference line (Lref) has a positivevalue.

In the case of a same type of driving circuit, the disposal angles withrespect to the reference line (Lref) are changeable depending on theposition of the pixel row or the pixel column. For example, the disposalangles of the fourth driving circuits DC4 corresponding to the differentpixel columns may be different from each other.

The driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in series to thenon-display area 40. The types of the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4are changed and arranged in a single column along the circumference ofthe display area 30. For example, in FIG. 13, the driving circuits DC1,DC2, and DC4 from the second driving circuit DC2 provided leftmost tothe first driving circuit DC1 provided rightmost are arranged in asingle column along the circumference of the display area 30 while thetypes thereof are changed.

When a step occurs between the pixel arrangements, the type of thedriving circuit is changed and disposed depending on the type of thecorresponding step. When the step is generated between pixelarrangements for respective rows, the first driving circuit DC1 and thesecond driving circuit DC2 correspond to the corresponding step. Whenthe step is generated for the respective columns, the fourth drivingcircuit DC4 corresponds to the corresponding step. The first drivingcircuit DC1 and the second driving circuit DC2 supply signals todifferent pixel rows, and the fourth driving circuit DC4 suppliessignals to different pixel columns.

In this instance, the first driving circuit DC1 and the second drivingcircuit DC2 may be disposed in an adjacent region corresponding to thestep between the pixel arrangements for the same row. In addition, asshown in FIG. 13, the step of the first pixel row and the second pixelrow is generated at the right and the left of the center region. As aresult, the first driving circuit DC1 and the second driving circuit DC2may be disposed corresponding to the right or the left. For example, thesecond driving circuit DC2 may correspond to the step of the first pixelrow and the second pixel row on the left. The first driving circuit DC1may correspond to the step of the first pixel row and the second pixelrow on the right.

One driving circuit supplies the signal to the pixels PX in one row orone column. One pixel PX includes a plurality of subpixels PX11, PX12,and PX13. Thus, one driving circuit supplies signals to the subpixelsPX11, PX12, and PX13 in one pixel row or one pixel column. Therefore, aplurality of signal wires are formed for supplying signals to one pixelrow or one pixel column by one driving circuit. For example, one firstdriving circuit DC1 supplies a scan signal to one pixel row. A pluralityof pixels PX including an R subpixel, a G subpixel, and a B subpixel areformed in one pixel row. As a result, a scan wire for supplying a scansignal to a plurality of R subpixels, a scan wire for supplying a scansignal to a plurality of G subpixels, and a scan wire for supplying ascan signal to a plurality of B subpixels are formed corresponding toone first driving circuit DC1. This is applicable to other cases, inwhich the signal wire is connected to different types of drivingcircuits in like manner.

The signal wires for the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 to supplysignals to the pixels PX are formed to not cross each other in thenon-display area 40. The signal wires connected to the different typesof driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are formed to not cross each otherin the non-display area 40. For example, the signal wires for connectingneighboring first driving circuit DC1 and the pixel row are formed tonot cross the signal wires for connecting the fourth driving circuit DC4and the pixel column. Therefore, capacitive coupling caused by parasiticcapacitor formed by the crossing of the signal wires in the non-displayarea 40 is reduced.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a pixel PX at a second position onan edge in a first region CA3 of the display panel 20 in FIG. 12 and adriving circuit. In FIG. 14, the driving circuits DCC and DC4 are in thenon-display area 40 in a manner similar to FIG. 13. Different types ofdriving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be disposed to correspond torespective pixel rows or pixel columns. For example, the first drivingcircuit DC1 may correspond to the pixel row, and the fourth drivingcircuit DC4 may correspond to the pixel column. On the second position,four first driving circuits DC1 correspond to the four pixel rows andsix fourth driving circuits DC4 correspond to the six pixel columns.

The driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be inclined at an angle withrespect to the plane depending on the shape of the display area 30. Whenthe angle inclined in a clockwise direction is measured in FIG. 14, theangle formed when the fourth driving circuit DC4 provided rightmost isinclined from the reference line (Lref) is greater than the angle formedwhen the first driving circuit DC1 provided leftmost is inclined fromthe reference line (Lref).

The driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in series in thenon-display area 40. The types of the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4are changed and arranged in a column along the circumference of thedisplay area 30. For example, in FIG. 14, the driving circuits DC1, DC2,and DC4 from the fourth driving circuit DC4 provided leftmost to thefirst driving circuit DC1 provided rightmost are arranged in a singlecolumn along the circumference of the display area 30 while the typesthereof are changed.

When a step occurs between the pixel arrangements, the type of thedriving circuit is changed and disposed depending on the type of thecorresponding step. When the step is generated between pixelarrangements for respective rows, the first driving circuit DC1corresponds to the corresponding step. When the step is generated forthe respective columns, the fourth driving circuit DC4 corresponds tothe corresponding step. The first driving circuit DC1 supplies signalsto different pixel rows, and the fourth driving circuit DC4 suppliessignals to different pixel columns. Regarding FIG. 14, the step isgenerated in the row direction and the column direction by one pixel PX,so the first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 arealternately disposed.

One driving circuit supplies a signal to the pixels PX in a row or acolumn. One pixel PX includes a plurality of subpixels PX11, PX12, andPX13. As a result, one driving circuit supplies the signal to thesubpixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 in one pixel row or one pixel column.Therefore, a plurality of signal wires for one driving circuit areformed to supply signals to one pixel row or one pixel column. Thesignal wires for the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 that supplysignals to the pixels PX are formed to not cross each other in thenon-display area 40. The signal wires connected to different types ofdriving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4, are formed to not cross each otherin the non-display area 40.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a pixel PX at a third position onan edge in a first region CA3 of the display panel 20 in FIG. 12 and adriving circuit. In FIG. 15, the driving circuit is in the non-displayarea 40 in a manner similar to FIG. 13. Different types of drivingcircuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may correspond to respective pixel rows orpixel columns. For example, the second driving circuit DC2 maycorrespond to the pixel row, and the fourth driving circuit DC4 maycorrespond to the pixel column. On the third position, four seconddriving circuits DC2 correspond to the four pixel rows and six fourthdriving circuits DC4 correspond to the six pixel columns.

The third position is symmetrical with respect to the second positionand the center region of the display area 30. The first driving circuitDC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are in the non-display area 40 ofthe second position, but the second driving circuit DC2 and the fourthdriving circuit DC4 are in the non-display area 40 of the thirdposition.

The driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are inclined at an angle withrespect to the plane depending on the shape of the display area 30. Whenthe angle inclined in the clockwise direction from the reference line(Lref) is measured in FIG. 15, the angle formed when the fourth drivingcircuit DC4 provided rightmost is inclined from the reference line(Lref) is greater than the angle formed when the second driving circuitDC2 provided leftmost is inclined from the reference line (Lref).

The driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in series in thenon-display area 40. The types of the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4are changed and arranged in a column along the circumference of thedisplay area 30. For example, in FIG. 15, the driving circuits DC1, DC2,and DC4 from the second driving circuit DC2 provided leftmost to thefourth driving circuit DC4 provided rightmost are arranged in a singlecolumn along the circumference of the display area 30 while the typesthereof are changed.

When a step occurs between the pixel arrangements, the type of thedriving circuit is changed and disposed depending on the type of thecorresponding step. When the step is generated between pixelarrangements for the respective rows, the second driving circuit DC2corresponds to the corresponding step. When the step is generated forthe respective columns, the fourth driving circuit DC4 corresponds tothe corresponding step. The second driving circuit DC2 supplies signalsto different pixel rows, and the fourth driving circuit DC4 suppliessignals to different pixel columns.

One driving circuit supplies a signal to the pixels PX in a row or acolumn. One pixel PX includes a plurality of subpixels PX11, PX12, andPX13. Thus, one driving circuit supplies the signal to the subpixelsPX11, PX12, and PX13 in one pixel row or one pixel column. Therefore, aplurality of signal wires for one driving circuit are formed to supplysignals to one pixel row or one pixel column. The signal wires for thedriving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 to supply signals to the pixels PXare formed to not cross each other in the non-display area 40. Thesignal wires connected to different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2,and DC4 are formed to not cross each other in the non-display area 40.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15, a different number of driving circuitsDC1, DC2, and DC4 may be disposed depending on their position on thedisplay panel 20. For example, a plurality of fourth driving circuitsDC4 are disposed by the step between the pixel arrangements generatedfor respective columns on the first position, a plurality of firstdriving circuits DC1 are disposed by the step between the pixelarrangements generated for respective rows on the second position, and aplurality of second driving circuits DC2 are disposed by the stepbetween the pixel arrangements generated for respective rows on thethird position. Thus, the types and numbers of the driving circuits DC1,DC2, and DC4 on the circumference of the display area 30 are changed.

Compared to the first exemplary embodiment and the second exemplaryembodiment, part of the display area 30 is formed to be segmental andthus the curvature of the border of the display area 30 and thenon-display area 40 changes. In one exemplary embodiment, the drivingcircuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in series on the circumferenceof the display area 30 and are disposed in a normal direction of theborder of the display area 30 and the non-display area 40. As a result,when the curvature is changed, the width of the non-display area 40 isreduced.

FIG. 16 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a display panel 20 which hasat least one curved portion. In FIG. 16, the display panel 20 is formedby combining a concave and curved first region CA5 and a quadrangularsecond region CA6.

The shape of the display area 30 may be determined corresponding to theshape of the display panel 20. For example, when part of the displaypanel 20 is curved, the display area 30 corresponding to the part iscurved. Therefore, the display area 30 of the first region CA5 is formedto be concave and curved, and the display area 30 of the second regionCA6 is formed to be quadrangular. A non-display area 40 including adriving circuit is formed in a region excluding the display area 30 ondisplay panel 20.

A plurality of pixels PX are in the display area 30. The pixels PX maybe disposed in a matrix format in the display area 30. The pixels PX areappropriately disposed to correspond to the curve in the display area30. For example, when the display area 30 is concave and curved, a stepis generated between the arrangements of pixels on an edge of theconcave and curved display area 30.

For example, a quadrangular pixel PX is disposed on the curved edge ofthe display area 30 so that the step is generated between thearrangements of pixels. For example, a step is generated between thepixel arrangement of the first column and the pixel arrangement of thesecond column by the difference of two pixels PX on the edge of displayarea 30 corresponding to the first column and the second column from theleft.

The step between the pixel arrangements for neighboring rows or columnsmay be different according to the position of the corresponding edge.For example, the step caused by the difference of two pixels isgenerated between the pixel arrangement of the first column and thepixel arrangement of the second column. The step caused by thedifference of one pixel may be generated between the pixel arrangementof the third column and the pixel arrangement of the fourth column.

The driving circuit is appropriately formed in the non-display area 40according to the shape of the display area 30. For example, when thepixels PX are in a concave and curved form, the driving circuit forsupplying signals to the pixels PX is provided along the concave curveon which the pixels PX are disposed.

In FIG. 16, the shapes and sizes of the pixels PX are the same. Inanother embodiment, the sizes of the pixels PX in two or more regions ofthe display area 30 may be different. For example, the pixel PX in asecond region CA6 of the display area 30 may be larger than the pixel PXon an edge of the first region CA5.

The driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be appropriately disposed inthe non-display area 40 so that the non-display area 40 occupies anarrow region on the display panel 20. When the pixels PX arearbitrarily disposed in the display panel 20, the step occurs betweenthe pixel arrangements so the driving circuits are disposed in a waythat is different from pixels disposed in a quadrangular manner.

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of a pixel PX at a first position D1in a first region CA5 on the display panel 20 in FIG. 16 and a drivingcircuit. As shown, the driving circuit is in the non-display area 40.Different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be disposed atthe respective positions in the non-display area 40. For example, thenon-display area 40 may include a region in which the first drivingcircuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are disposed, a region inwhich the second driving circuit DC2 is disposed, and a region in whichthe third driving circuit is disposed. Different types and numbers ofdriving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be disposed along thecircumference of the display area 30 in the non-display area 40.

In this instance, different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4may be disposed for respective pixel rows or pixel columns. For example,the first driving circuit DC1 and the second driving circuit DC2 maycorrespond to the pixel row, and the fourth driving circuit DC4 maycorrespond to the pixel column. In the first region CA5, seven firstdriving circuits DC1 and seven second driving circuits DC2 correspond toseven pixel rows and five fourth driving circuits DC4 correspond to fivepixel columns.

The areas occupied by the different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2,and DC4 may be different. For example, the area of one first drivingcircuit DC1, the area of one second driving circuit DC2, and the area ofone fourth driving circuit DC4 may be different.

The driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be inclined at acorresponding angle with respect to a flat surface according to a shapeof the display area 30. For example, in the first region CA5, thedriving circuits may be inclined at substantially the same angle as anormal angle on a border between the display area 30 and the non-displayarea 40 and may be disposed in the non-display area 40. When the displayarea 30 is curved, a normal direction of the border between the displayarea 30 and the non-display area 40 is changed along the circumferenceof the curved display area 30. As a result, a disposal angle of thedriving circuits along the circumference of the display area 30 withrespect to a reference line (Lref) is changed by the normal direction.

The second driving circuit DC2 provided on the left of the display area30 in FIG. 17 is disposed to be orthogonal to a straight line, since theshape of its corresponding display area 30 is a straight line. Thedriving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 disposed to the right from the fourthdriving circuit DC4 connected to the leftmost pixel column of thedisplay area 30 along the circumference of the display area 30 aredisposed to be inclined so that the angle from the reference line (Lref)may be gradually reduced. For example, the disposal angle δ1 of thefourth driving circuit DC4 connected to the leftmost pixel column fromthe reference line (Lref) has a positive value.

In the case of a same type of driving circuit, the disposal angles withrespect to the reference line (Lref) are changeable depending on theposition of the pixel row or the pixel column. For example, the disposalangles of the fourth driving circuits DC4 corresponding to the differentpixel columns may be different from each other.

The driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in series in thenon-display area 40. The types of the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4are changed and arranged in a single column along the circumference ofthe display area 30. For example, in FIG. 17, corresponding to thecurved display area 30, the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 from thefourth driving circuit DC4 provided leftmost to the first drivingcircuit DC1 provided rightmost are arranged in a single column along thecircumference of the display area 30 while the types thereof arechanged.

When a step occurs between the pixel arrangements, the type of thedriving circuit is changed and disposed depending on the type of thecorresponding step. When the step is generated between the pixelarrangements for respective rows, the first driving circuit DC1 and thesecond driving circuit DC2 correspond to the corresponding step. Whenthe step is generated for the respective columns, the fourth drivingcircuit DC4 corresponds to the corresponding step. The first drivingcircuit DC1 and the second driving circuit DC2 supply signals todifferent pixel rows, and the fourth driving circuit DC4 suppliessignals to different pixel columns.

One driving circuit supplies the signal to the pixels PX in one row orone column. One pixel PX includes a plurality of subpixels PX11, PX12,and PX13. Thus, one driving circuit supplies signals to the subpixelsPX11, PX12, and PX13 in one pixel row or one pixel column. Therefore, aplurality of signal wires are formed for supplying signals to one pixelrow or one pixel column by one driving circuit. For example, one firstdriving circuit DC1 supplies a scan signal to one pixel row. A pluralityof pixels PX including an R subpixel, a G subpixel, and a B subpixel areformed in one pixel row. Therefore, a scan wire for supplying a scansignal to a plurality of R subpixels, a scan wire for supplying a scansignal to a plurality of G subpixels, and a scan wire for supplying ascan signal to a plurality of B subpixels are formed corresponding toone first driving circuit DC1. This is applicable to other cases inwhich the signal wire is connected to different types of drivingcircuits in a like manner.

The signal wires for the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 to supplysignals to the pixels PX are formed to not cross each other in thenon-display area 40. The signal wires connected to the different typesof driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are formed to not cross each otherin the non-display area 40. For example, the signal wires for connectingthe neighboring first driving circuit DC1 and the pixel row are formedto not cross the signal wires for connecting the fourth driving circuitDC4 and the pixel column. Therefore, capacitive coupling caused byparasitic capacitor formed by the crossing of the signal wires in thenon-display area 40 is reduced.

In accordance with one or more of the aforementioned embodiments, thedriving circuits supply different types of driving signals (e.g., scansignal, data signal, emission control signal, and/or test voltage) tothe display panel 20 with an arbitrary shape and that the pixels are inthe display area 30 of the display panel 20.

The aforementioned embodiments may be applied to other kinds ofnon-quadrangular displays, in embodiments including the first drivingcircuit DC1, the second driving circuit DC2, and the fourth drivingcircuit DC4, the fourth driving circuit DC4 is exchangeable with thethird driving circuit, which is a relative position on the display panel20.

The driving circuits may have different densities in the non-displayarea 40, for example, depending on the disposed shape of the pixels.Further, the driving circuits are in series in the non-display area.Therefore, the width of the non-display area 40 may be reduced. Also,the signal wires for the driving circuits to supply signals to thedisplay area do not overlap each other, thereby reducing parasiticcapacitance that otherwise might occur when the wires overlap eachother.

Also, in one embodiment, the display panel may include a partial convexcurve and a partial concave curve In this case, the driving circuits maybe appropriately disposed by combining the above-described exemplaryembodiments.

Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specificterms are employed, they are used and are to be interpreted in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purpose of limitation. In someinstances, as would be apparent to one of skill in the art as of thefiling of the present application, features, characteristics, and/orelements described in connection with a particular embodiment may beused singly or in combination with features, characteristics, and/orelements described in connection with other embodiments unless otherwiseindicated. Accordingly, it will be understood by those of skill in theart that various changes in form and details may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A non-quadrangular display, comprising: aplurality of pixels in a non-quadrangular display area, each of thepixels connected to a first signal line in a first direction and asecond signal line in a second direction crossing the first direction; aplurality of first driving circuits in a peripheral area of the displayarea, each of the first driving circuits to output a first signal to thefirst signal line of a corresponding one of the pixels; and a pluralityof second driving circuits in the peripheral area, each of the seconddriving circuits to output a second signal to the second signal line ofa corresponding one of the pixels, wherein each of the plurality offirst driving circuits corresponds to a respective pixel row and each ofthe plurality of second driving circuits corresponds to a respectivepixel column; wherein a number of the second driving circuits positionedbetween neighboring first driving circuits is different depending on aposition in the peripheral area, wherein the non-quadrangular displayarea comprises a plurality of pixel row steps and a plurality of pixelcolumn steps at a circumference, wherein each pixel row step correspondsto a position at the circumference where a pixel row has M pixels morethan a directly preceding pixel row, and wherein each pixel column stepcorresponds to a position at the circumference where a pixel column hasN pixels more than a directly preceding pixel column; at each pixel rowstep a first homogenous group of M second driving circuits is arranged,and at each pixel column step a second homogenous group of N firstdriving circuits is arranged, and wherein a homogenous group of P seconddriving circuits is arranged between two pixel column steps at a firstposition in the peripheral area, a homogenous group of Q second drivingcircuits is arranged between two pixel column steps at a second positionin the peripheral area, a homogenous group of R second driving circuitsis arranged between two pixel column steps at a third position in theperipheral area, and wherein P, Q, R are different from each other. 2.The display as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first driving circuitsand the second driving circuits are adjacent the circumference.
 3. Thedisplay as claimed in claim 2, wherein angles for arranging the firstdriving circuits and the second driving circuits are changed accordingto positions of the first driving circuits and the second drivingcircuits.
 4. The display as claimed in claim 3, wherein the angles arechanged equally to normal directions of the circumference of the displayarea which is corresponding to the positions of each of the firstdriving circuits and the second driving circuits.
 5. The display asclaimed in claim 4, wherein an area of the first driving circuit for atleast one pixel is different from an area of the second driving circuitfor at least one pixel.
 6. The display as claimed in claim 2, wherein asum of a width one of the first driving circuits and its adjacent seconddriving circuit is less than half a width of a pixel.
 7. The display asclaimed in claim 1, wherein: the display area includes a curved area,and the pixels are arranged in a matrix form in the curved area.
 8. Thedisplay as claimed in claim 7, wherein: when a step is betweenneighboring arrangements of the pixels, the first driving circuit or thesecond driving circuit in the peripheral area corresponds to the stepaccording to a type of the step.
 9. The display as claimed in claim 1,wherein: the pixels include a plurality of subpixels, the subpixels emitdifferent colors of light, and the subpixels are to be controlled bysecond signals transmitted through the second signal lines insynchronization with first signals transmitted through the first signallines.
 10. The display as claimed in claim 9, wherein the subpixelsinclude: a plurality of switching transistors, each of the switchingtransistors including a first electrode connected to a respective one ofthe second signal lines and the first signal lines as gate electrodes;and a plurality of driving transistors, each of the driving transistorsincluding a gate electrode connected to a second electrode of arespective one of the switching transistors, a first electrode toreceive a power voltage, and a second electrode connected to an organiclight emitting diode.
 11. The display as claimed in claim 10, whereineach of the subpixels receives an initialization voltage insynchronization with first signals transmitted through respective firstsignal lines corresponding to a previous pixel row.
 12. The display asclaimed in claim 11, wherein each of the subpixels includes acompensation transistor connected between the gate electrode and thesecond electrodes of the driving transistors, the gate electrodeincluded as part of a corresponding first signal line.
 13. The displayas claimed in claim 1, wherein the first signal lines and the secondsignal lines of the pixels do not cross each other in the peripheralarea.
 14. The display as claimed in claim 1, wherein: each of the pixelsis connected to a third signal line in the first direction, and thedisplay includes a plurality of third driving circuits alternatelydisposed with at least one of the second driving circuits, each of thethird driving circuits to output a third signal to a third signal lineof at least one of the pixels.
 15. A non-quadrangular display,comprising: a display area including a curved portion, the display areaincluding a plurality of pixels disposed so that steps in a rowdirection and a column direction correspond to the curved portion; and anon-display area including first driving circuits to supply a firstsignal to respective pixels in the row direction and second drivingcircuits to supply a second signal to respective pixels in the columndirection, wherein a first number of the second driving circuits isbetween a first pair of neighboring first driving circuits at a firstposition at the circumference of the display area, a second number ofthe second driving circuits is between a second pair of neighboringfirst driving circuits at the circumference of the display area, and athird number of the second driving circuits is between a third pair ofneighboring first driving circuits at the circumference of the displayarea, and wherein the first number, the second number, and the thirdnumber are different from each other, the third number is nonzero andthe first and second numbers are greater than the third number.
 16. Thedisplay as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least one of the firstdriving circuits is provided in substantially a normal direction inwhich the pixels have steps in the row direction.
 17. The display asclaimed in claim 15, wherein at least one of the second driving circuitsis provided in substantially a normal direction in which the pixels havesteps in the column direction.
 18. The display as claimed in claim 15,wherein the non-display area has a predetermined width along acircumference of the display area.
 19. The display as claimed in claim18, wherein each of the first driving circuit and the second drivingcircuit has substantially rectangular shape and substantially a samelength of a long side.
 20. The display as claimed in claim 19, wherein awidth of the non-display area is greater than the length of the longside and less than a sum of both long side lengths of the substantiallyrectangular shape.